Hello Daniel-Thank you for the compliments!  Just the other day I had a Realtor contact me because he was unsure what Home Staging was all about.  Any home stager will be happy to help educate an REA on the benefits of home staging.  It really does make the difference with creating interest and bringing in the buyers to purchase the property!  Regards-Kathleen G

Hi Debi - You are correct.  Even simple changes can make the difference in how a listing presents itself.  A design professional will know what and how to make those improvements work in the seller's interest.  Glad to hear the the NW is catching up on Home Staging!  Regards-Kathleen G

Hello Christian -  Thank you for stopping by!  I took a look at your blog.  The majority of suggestions on your list are a good start.  However, proper professional home staging requires more know-how than the simple home preparation basics. There is a major difference between simple home preparation and Home Staging. Proper staging takes the home selling game to a whole new level of magic.  Realtors who have worked with a great professional Home Stager have experienced the MVP level of play I discuss in my above blog.

Home Stagers provide their heightened level of decor and style expertise which makes the difference between showing a cleaned-up home for sale versus a more stylish and appealing home which has been transformed by the use of design principles. Stagers have creative eyes and will create interest for the most boring of homes as well as helping homes with difficult or unusual spaces and so much more. 

Home Staging helps buyers see more potential in a home because of the staging details most people (including REAs) would not know how to accomplish on their own.  Most Realtors know that finding a great Home Stager to work with makes the difference in their listings selling faster and for more money. 

Actually, more homeowners are catching on fast to the benefits of Home Staging and seemingly outpacing their Realtors with seeking us out!  Time to step up the Realtors game too!  Expert home staging guidance stretches well beyond the basics and assists everyone: the Homeowner, Realtor and the Buyer!

Win-Win-Win!  Regards-Kathleen G

Hi Anthony - Thank you for stopping by to read! I hope you are using a professional Home Staging MVP with your listings and finding bigger success!  Regards-Kathleen G

Hello Cathy L.-  Thank you!  Gotta love that cheerleader in all of us! 

PS - Would you believe me if I told you I was a cheerleader for many years (long ago)??  LOL....quel surprise!  Regards-Kathleen G

Hi Robyn- Part of our job continues in providing Home Staging advantages 'education' for Homeowners and Realtors.  It always surprises me that many people still have not 'got it'.  Home staging does work and as more people become believers and see it for themselves, the more satisfied homeowners and REAs will be with their real estate dealings!  Regards-Kathleen G

Hi Laurie- Yes, your statement is spot on.  Homeowners want to sell their home, yet, need to change up what they have relied on in the past when selling real estate.  Simply cleaning the carpets is not going to cut it in this competitive marketplace.  The game has changed and Home Staging has become a standard part of successful marketing in real estate.  RE-the photo.  Yes, I had to choose between teams such as Italy, Brazil, Spain etc....and wanted to post them all!  My mom just returned from Istanbul so that must've been on my mind.... Regards-Kathleen G.

Hi Michele- The team who wins usually has the competitive edge!  Just showing up is a start...but players need to play to WIN and having an MVP Home Stager on the team helps everyone WIN!  Regards-Kathleen G

Hello Kathy F. - YES!  If more Realtors began to suggest Home Staging on each and every listing, homeowners will likely feel that their REA is on the cutting edge with their property.  Simply having a consultation with a professional Home Stager makes a difference. 

Most Realtors would be surprised at the comments Home Stagers hear when homeowners contact us.  They will usually tell me that their Realtor has not suggested Home Staging whatsoever....and surprisingly, I receive more calls from Realtors who have never heard of Home Staging!?? Hmmm...

Regards-Kathleen G

Hi Diane- Yes, your thinking is right on target.  I receive those calls from homeowners who have been unable to sell their home for at least 2 years.  In the back of my mind, I think that it would've been less stressful financially for the homeowners if they had been guided towards professional home staging options when the home was first listed.  A few REAs are offering it...but most are waaaay behind the times and erroneously believe that freshly cleaned rugs and touch-up paint = 'home staging'.

Realtors - Do not wait until your listing is ready to expire or the homeowner wants to fire you as an agent and then offer Home Staging consultations. Do it at the beginning of the listing and catch up on all your other listings now before it is too late.  Selling homes is tough in this challenged market and you must offer every marketing option to your sellers.  If the homeowners are calling me, and their REA doesn't know a darn thing about the benefits which good Home Staging provides for their seller...well, what would YOU think of that agent?

I try my best to let the homeowners know that it is not necessarily the REAs fault that their home has not sold...however, there is nothing I can say in defense of a Realtor who has no idea what Home Staging is about or who is clueless regarding how professional Home staging can greatly improve the marketability of the seller's home. 

Every home, no matter the price point, will usually benefit from a paid consultation with a great professional Home Stager. 

UP your GAME if you want to WIN more often!  

Regards-Kathleen G

Hey Sally & David- SHINE ON!  Yes, Home Staging is like showing a shiny penny...it attracts! You have seen success with it in your listings and thanks for sharing!

Hello Shobha - Yes, being aggressive in today's market means using all the arrows in your quiver.  Home Staging needs to be part of the best marketing plan so that the listing appeals to more people and more buyers will want to visit that home for sale. 

Hi Christopher and Stephanie - You mentioned a great point that photos need to be updated after the professional Home Staging.  Most good home stagers offer the 'after' photos for REAs to post with the listing. Take the time to update the listing site...use a professional photographer if you wish.  Do whatever it takes to make that property shine and ensure increased interest over the competition. 

When over 85% of buyers are shopping via the Internet, you better make sure your listing looks its best.  Otherwise....the buyers move on to more interesting properties because your listing may not have the 'attraction factor' necessary to compete for buyers attention.  Many sales processes begin with the first impression on a real estate site. Ensure that your listing looks appealing online and create interest for those buyers to add your home to their 'go see' list.

Regards-Kathleen G

Hello Cindy - LOL...You are astute in your comments regarding most Realtors belief that simple de-cluttering = Home Staging. Decluttering is NOT Home Staging.  Repeat: De-cluttering is not Home Staging. 

As I wrote above in my comments, the basics of home preparation are a nice place to start.  However, that is only the beginning of the Home Staging process.  The idea is to take the listing to a whole new height and a professional Home Stager will know what is needed to create a better quality of appeal.

The majority of Realtors are not offering their clients 'true home staging' if they are just telling their clients to straighten up the house and steam-clean a few yards of carpet.  There is a difference when you work with a good professional Home Stager and that difference will usually make more money for the Homeowner as well as the Realtor in the end.  (Usually multiplied returns on the money spent for the Professional touch!)  Regards-Kathleen G

Hi Jane - Yes, home staging is moving like wildfire and onward into the smaller cities and towns.  In some areas, BANKS are beginning to ask for Home Staging consultations to help market their foreclosed properties.  Professional staging is becoming an expected standard...regardless of the market conditions.

Hello Boston Condo guy - You ask a great question. The cost for home staging is varied.  Similar to figuring out the listing price for a home...much depends on the area where you live, whether it is a vacant or occupied home and the amount of work involved with preparing the home (some homes need a lot of work while others are nearly ready to go!).

The same thought applies to the level of professional home staging expertise.  The Home staging talent will vary in every city and I recommend finding the best professional home stager in your area.  Check out their website and call that professional stager to ask questions.  Actually, there are a few posts here on Active Rain which outline what you should be looking for when finding a professional home stager. I will hunt a few down and post them for you (and for everyone else who is interested in knowing more about what to look for and expect with home staging pros).

At the very least, I believe you get what you pay for in this industry.  Seriously.  If you work with the best home Stager in your area, chances are good that the professional relationship will pay you back more times over than you can imagine.  Everything from continual referrals we send over to our favorite Realtors (stemming from Homeowners who have yet to list and ask our advice to help them find a REA) to homeowners selling faster and for more money.  (Thus, more commission money for you!). Everyone Wins.  Regards-Kathleen G

Hi Courtney - I agree.  Many homeowners think they need to change Realtors so that their home will sell.  It is usually not the REAs fault.  Professional Home Stagers will often reassure the homeowner that there are more reasons to keep their Realtor than drop them from the listing.  (Another reason to know your Home Stagers in your area and treat them well!)  Realtors would really be surprised to know what we home stagers do by fervently supporting them during these tough times. We believe in Realtors who want the best for their client!

Hi Cat- Love your name! I have a few friends who call me 'Kat' as well!  Sellers want to know they have made the right choice when they list with Realtors.  Everyone wants the best and deserves to get their money's worth in that relationship.  The best team wins when they have the best players.  Adding a MVP Home Staging pro makes all the difference with keeping the winning streak alive!

Hello Debbie- Thank you.  Yes, this was written for Realtors and Sellers to consider at this time.  Real estate selling has changed and the way to make progress with this challenge is through learning about options.  Enough can not be said about improving your marketing plan when the tides have turned and new things need to be considered.  Right?

Hey there Karen- Thanks for stopping by! Lovin' the AR feature! : )  Sometimes when I think a subject is redundant, it usually needs to be written about again!  Have a great RESA-SIF Roundtable in November!

Regards-Kathleen G

Hello James- Yes, staging has really made a big difference in metropolitan cities like Los Angeles.  With so many vacant homes on the market, there is a need to create interest so that these homes do not look 'empty and lifeless'. There is a psychological angle Realtors and Sellers need to address when buyers are checking out their listing.  Creating warmth in a 'home' is part of the magic with home staging and I believe it makes an invaluable impact on sellers. 'Shout out' to my old stomping ground in Malibu!

Hi Michael - Thanks!

Hi Charles - Professional home staging is still catching on in smaller markets.  First, I would check your area and see if you have a good home stager available in your community.  Check beyond your local area up to an hour or so radius. Google 'Home Staging _city name_' to find out who is available and check out their site.  Thank you for the compliment on mine.  Staging is still growing even where I live...and I live in one of the worst foreclosure markets in the US.  (Though everyone feels their area is the worst....Cape Coral /Fort Myers, FL consistently ranks in the worst top 10 each month! EEks....)

Because each home has different needs and areas to address, my best tip is to start by having a consultation with a staging professional.  Every home will benefit from a consultation. Adding pizzazz varies with the specific style of home you are trying to market.  What works in one home does not always work with every home!  ; ) 

The main idea with staging is to create an attractive home appearance which will appeal to a greater number of buyers.  By staging a listing, the professional creates a broader appeal.  Proper staging opens the door and increases buyer traffic and Internet views of a home for sale -- thereby increasing the seller's opportunity to receive contract offers. 

Regards-Kathleen G

Go David!!  Regards-Kathleen G

Hey Fernando! - Yes, I am happy this blog was featured as well.  Even though we Home Stagers feel like we educate others on a daily basis, there is still a strong need to offer public information again.

One of my friends who spoke with me this afternoon said she is amazed every time when I tell her that another homeowner called me this week wanting home staging, and their Realtor had not even suggested it.  You know people are watching HGTV....they want their homes to show well too! Bravo to the Realtors who are working with the staging pros! Bravo to the homeowners who understand how home staging benefits their marketing position in this frustrating market...those homes are selling faster and seeing more traffic!

 Hi Kerry- Thanks for your input!  Buyers are looking for a home that 'stands out'.  When there are so many to choose from in the homes-for-sale inventory, a seller or Realtor should not forgo professional Home Staging.  It is one of the most effective marketing tools available today in real estate.  Sure, it costs money.  And guess what, the return on the money will be worth it when the number of days on the market are reduced and more people show interest in seeing the property. Add that along with the improved offers had the seller not worked with a staging pro.  The benefits are worth adding the Staging Pro to your selling team. 

To Everyone:  I realize it takes money to make money...and everyone is a bit on the short side of funds lately.  These tough days are beyond anything we have lived through in many decades. However, looking ahead, I would not want to keep lowering a listing price 10% several times in a row without having tried Home Staging first. 

The cost to home stage is usually less than that first price reduction. Try not to be complacent and blindly continue to only drop the price....it will probably cost you more money in the end than you might realize (if you opt to not stage).  Next time, instead of automatically reducing the sale price, try a home staging consultation first.

The home staging industry is here to serve homeowners and Realtors.  This industry is becoming an integral part of the real estate marketing package and the positive benefits are overwhelmingly in favor of you!  Up your game....and find the best MVP Stager to help your home sell!

Regards-Kathleen G

Hi Michelle M. -  Would you be so kind and please post a link to your helpful blog with the information on how to choose a Home Stager? Please post it in the replies so that everyone interested will learn more! THANK YOU!!  I am running out right now and would really appreciate it!  Regards-Kathleen G

Hi Marian- Congrats to you for offering staging consultations to your sellers when they list with you!  The homeowners usually enjoy meeting with a staging pro and look at us as the decor experts who will help their home appeal to more buyers....and they look to the Realtor for their expertise in how the home will need to be priced and sales expertise.  The team approach works really well!  There are very few REAs who successfully wear both hats on one head! 

Hello Castellum Realty -Consumers ARE acknowledging the benefits from Home Staging and they are looking to hear more about it from their Realtors.  YOU are their real estate Coach!

More often than not, the REA is on the front line...and homeowners want to hear about all the latest marketing angles which will help them sell their house faster.

Homeowners LOVE watching the staging/design shows on TV and are waiting for you Realtors to guide them to find that extra 'something' which will place their house listing ahead of their neighbors.  Realtors can help themselves by following through and addressing the need for professional Home Staging.  Again, a consultation is a great place to start.  Cleaning up and putting a few items away does not count as a 'staged home'.  There is WHOLE LOT MORE to the art of creating a great Home Staging!

I hope you all find success with a good home staging company near you!  Your clients will really appreciate it!

PS-Yes, I submitted my target # for your contest!  For those who are wondering, it is a AR membership number guessing contest.

Regards-Kathleen G

Hello Nelson - Yep. Home staging is MUST DO if REAs want to move the listing.  Period.  There are simply too many unattractive and boring homes out there to weed through.  Help your listings sell faster by spending that extra bit to attract the attention of buyers.  Make it happen right?? : )

Hi Heather - Well, one of the cool things about homeowners watching the home shows is that they get really excited to meet Home Stagers.  There are some days I feel like a mini-celebrity!  Whether it is because they heard about Home staging or simply feel like they are making progress with 'dressing up their home'...MOST homeowners appreciate the Staging ideas and different point of view when meeting with us.  Even simple changes suggested by the Home Staging Pro create the extra jazz that gives homeowners the feeling that they are 'with the times', not unlike what they view on the home shows. 

The impact is RARELY the same if a Realtor presents themselves as a Home Stager as well.  There are a few fantastic REA pros who are super great with doing both jobs...though they land in the top .5% category.  That leaves 99.5% of Realtors out there who will do themselves and their listings a favor by working with a Home Staging Pro.  I state this observation for the benefit of Realtors and Homeowners.  Go out and recruit the best MVP Staging pro for your team....and get ready to step up your sales BIG TIME!  Regards-Kathleen G

Hi Michelle M. - Thank you for adding your awesome link here in the comments section.  If you are reading my comment here, go back up about 10 comments or so and look for Michelle's link to a blog she posted a while back on how to select a Home Staging Pro.  Reading it will help guide you as you try and weed through the good stagers from the not-so-great stagers.  Believe me, choosing the right stager makes the bottom line difference for the sale.  And this equates to adding tens of thousands of dollars to that sale in most instances.  Thanks Buddy!

Hi Todd- Yes, changing your marketing with the times is all-important.  The Internet is where it all begins!

Hello Phyllis - As you stated, most people are a bit confused with what constitutes 'staged' vs. not staged.  Most homes have begun the 'process' and then STOP.  What is the point if the home is only 25% prepared and the rest of it falls to the wind to carry it along?  When I see this, it is no wonder the home has not sold.  When a Realtor or Homeowner has worked with a true Home Stager who knows what they are doing, they find out and see the HOME-RUN the stager hits when the real staging is complete! Batter up!  Regards-Kathleen G

Hi Roland - One of the best ideas is to BEGIN the listing by having a Home Staging consultation if possible.  THEN, the chances are greatly reduced of the home sitting around with no activity...even when well-priced!  I would not wait until after price reductions etc....start with staging at the beginning of the listing!  It will help speed up the selling process because:

-MORE INTEREST will be created;  a must-do in this over-crowded marketplace

-Internet presentation of the home will usually look far better when well-staged then without the staged look

-Staging results in more buyer traffic choosing that listing to 'go see'. 

-The goal: increased chances of receiving offers sooner rather than later! Thus....a SOLD HOME

Try not to wait until the listing is dead.  Stage sooner and see the difference.  Staging will help the BUYER see better potential, the homeowner will sell quicker and the Realtor will look like a HERO!  Who doesn't want these results??  Stage onward and upward....   Regards-Kathleen G

Hello David - Thank you for your thoughts.  You really gave a great clue to others in the fact that 'thoughtful and pragmatic' staging needs to be an ESSENTIAL in this ugly market.  Truly, professional home staging is imperative if you want to sell the listing sooner. 

You never hear a homeowner say: Hey Jo Realtor, I would love to keep paying this monster mortgage another 6 months...let's see how long we can stretch it out!   I place myself in that homeowner's shoes and understand the pressure everyone is under these days. 

More Realtors and Homeowners will BENEFIT by spending the money to stage.  Period. 

Hmmm...I don't know how many times I have stated it in my comments above...LOL.  Certainly A LOT!  Yet, the message needs to be clear.  Work with a STAGING PRO and do everything in your power and pocketbook to create interest and allow that listing to stand out!  Forget holding back. 

Why?  Because it usually costs far more money in the end (lower offers and longer holding costs) if homeowners and Realtors skip the important step of professional home staging.  You will wonder why you didn't do it earlier!    Regards-Kathleen G

Hey Terrylynn - Terrylynn is one of those rare Realtor-Stager professionals who wears both hats very well!  If you have any questions from the angle of being a Realtor and you feel unsure that adding a Stager to the mix is the best direction to go with your listing, email her and ask!  I trust that Terrylynn will guide you well and will be more than happy to help out a fellow Realtor!   You rock!  Regards-Kathleen G

Hey Everyone - LOL...WOW, talk about long comments from me!  Thanks for being patient and reading through them.  I must be feeling the 'writing zone' lately!  Maybe I am just trying to express how passionately I feel and that I truly believe proper Home Staging will help Homeowners in more ways than ever. 

I hear the desperation in homeowners voices every day.  It pains me deeply.  If even 500 Realtors and Homeowners read this blog and decide to finally call their local Home Staging expert, it will mean so much.

Home Staging is one solution which will help homeowners find some light at the end of this scary tunnel.   New solutions must be tried and tried again.  The old real estate selling solution of simply reducing the listing price by thousands and thousands of dollars every 4-8 weeks is simply not the one and only answer. 

If you have not tried professional Home Staging yet, it is time.  Call a local Home Staging expert to come into the Realty Sales office for a brief presentation...or simply pick your worst looking listing and pay for a staging consultation. 

Be the old dog who is willing to learn a new trick and you will impress the unimpressable people!

TRY to do something DIFFERENT this week. 

Whether you are a Homeowner reading this or a Real Estate Professional, begin by trying a new marketing approach and do so with a home staging pro. 

Can you really afford to miss out when 85% of todays buyers are hunting around for real estate on the Internet and quickly scroll past yours because it looks dull and lifeless?  Trust me, that 'scrolling past boring listings' action is happening this very minute while I type. 

No one wants buyers to skip over their listing.  However, saying your prayers each evening is not going to make buyers stop and look at a listed home if you have done very little or not enough to EFFECTIVELY garner their 'visual interest'.  

Create Interest...Add the MVP Staging professional to your team...play the game the 'new way' and start winning more often!  You can win and it is accomplished by working with a new strategy that has proven itself. 

Professional Home Staging as an effective way to sell faster in todays real estate market. 

GOT IT?  ; )